Lahad Datu: Eight charged with terrorist activities, waging war against King (Updated)

LAHAD DATU: Eight people who were among a group of Sulu gunmen involved in a stand-off and subsequent attacks against Malaysian security forces, were charged here Wednesday with terrorism and waging war against the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

No plea was recorded from the eight men, from southern Philippines, after each of them was charged under Section 130 KA of the Penal Code with launching terrorism acts and under Section 121 of the Penal Code with waging war against the King.

Section 130 KA provides for a jail term of up to 30 years and while Section 121 provides for the death penalty, upon conviction.

Dressed in purple lock-up uniforms, the eight were charged before Sessions Court judge Amelati Parnell, sitting as Magistrate, at the hearing that began about 1pm.

Senior federal counsel Datuk Nordin Ahmad led the prosecuting team.

The charges were read out Bahasa Malaysia while interpreters translated the proceedings into Suluk and Bajau at the hearing held in a makeshift courtroom at the new district police headquarters here that was under tight security since morning.

Upon Nordin's application, Amelati transferred the case to the Tawau High Court for hearing.

Immediately after the completion of the hearing at 1.45pm, the eight accused were seen boarding four trucks under heavy police escort to be taken to Tawau.

Media personnel were barred from entering the courtroom and were unable to immediately obtain details of the accused, including their names and ages.